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ABOUT RICHARD BRUCE AND THE NATRALIGHT DISPLAYS
IDEA
In 1997 I had the opportunity to obtain my first computer. I had always
been an artist, and was skeptical that computers could make a real contribution
to what is done with by hand. Within a few months I fully realized how
awesome the computer medium was, and I also realized it provided me personally
with a greater chance of success as a creative professional. I quickly
grew to love everything about working digitally, especially things like
the exactitude, unparalleled flexibility, and efficiency. I loved working
with computers and I loved the results, and soon I was at the computer
for up to twelve hours a day. It was truly exciting as technology improved
rapidly in just the few short years I had been working with computers,
and my portfolio and skill set were looking promising.
Then it happened. I learned the hard way what apparently millions of people
learn every year, which is that prolonged usage of computers takes its
toll on the eyes. I developed symptoms of serious burning, redness, and
blurriness in my eyes that did not go away no matter what I tried. In
the thralls of denial I tried everything from all sorts of computers,
to special glasses by a company specializing in the problem, prescription
glasses with UV protection, sunglasses, display screens, eye drops, and
even prescription drugs like Clairiton and Allegra. The bottom line was
that my body would now react defensively to computer displays, which reaction
is called “CVS” or Computer Vision Syndrome. I had no other
allergies, nor did anything like television or driving at night cause
a problem for me.
Since no current solution existed, and my research provided me with the
less known facts about the wide spread epidemic of eye problems, I concluded
there was something wrong with computer displays. A big question about
this problem was, why don’t people suffer symptoms from watching
television? At first I thought it was some kind of undiscovered radiation
particular to computer displays, (that could still be a later finding),
but later I realized some more common sense issues were probably the culprit,
since radiation has been analyzed and minimized in today’s computer
display products. The main problem I think is this: Your computer system
software has a program called a screen saver, to protect against “screen
burn-in”. Too bad your eyes don’t, because what you are getting
with prolonged computer usage is “pupil burn-in”. A light
source with a particular shape in one place too long causes “ghosting”
on your computer display, and likewise similar damage to the fragile layer
of cells in the human eye. It is no wonder the eyes become irritated,
and in many cases, that damage information is stored in a defensive mechanism
part of the brain, which causes symptoms to deter a person from continuing
the activity which causes damage.
When you stare intently at conventional materials such as paper and pen,
or paint and canvas, the contrasting colors and shapes do not cause such
problems because you are looking at refracted light, which does not contrast
from the majority of light in your view, and does not contrast from elements
of itself with the power of artificial light particles able to be on or
off right next to each other.
While it is beautiful to look at, the light used in computer display images
is different in nature from the light used in everything else we see with
our eyes. Without addressing the much more complicated prospect of genetically
enhancing or changing the human body itself, some aspects of conformity
may have to be adhered to in regards to the current level of human adaptation.
It seems clear that the advent of lighted displays presents us with such
a limitation, which may even be a limitation of possibility itself with
human beings. It may be you cannot have it both ways. Sensitive perception
of light and color, with invulnerability to excessive or certain variant
forms of light delivery.
This is why I came up with the idea for non lighted displays. If you make
a computer display that requires light to be shone on it, you make the
display the same as all other things we look at. A remaining problem will
be that it is still a cause of static muscle use, (your eyes focussing
at one distance for prolonged periods), which strain will still cause
problems, but I believe the majority of the problem will be solved with
reflective displays. Part of the strain problem associated with static
eye muscle use is probably due in part to the “hypnotic” effect
which is the documented cause of fifty percent less blinking while using
a computer. Finally, while I tread cautiously to bring up this subject
(to avoid the closing floodgate of minds), I think there is some truth
to the studies which suggest that what we look at effects our health,
even our happiness. After considering the problem people are having with
back lighted displays, it seems to me that using reflective displays might
have an even more important advantage.
As mentioned, my efforts to get computer manufacturers to offer a reflective
display alternatives fell flat. The reality is, it is difficult for an
individual to just call or write a company, and ask them to make a computer
display that doesn’t burn your eyes. It seems that existing manufacturers
will not be interested in spending money to offer an alternative which
isn’t as bright and beautiful, and which may suggest there is anything
wrong with their current product. I realized that no non profit organization
or effort will be as effective in getting an alternative out to the public,
as creating a profitable company that produces a product anyone can buy
and use with any computer. By taking the lead and utilizing professional
marketing, the success of Natralight displays will likely start a healthy
trend in computer manufacturing.
Anyone interested in participating, contributing, or offering suggestions
is quite welcome to do so. Particularly, anyone who knows what they’re
doing in business.
THE CAUSE FOR REFLECTIVE COMPUTER DISPLAY
Computer displays in their current form pose a significant health problem.
There is good news about a solution to this problem, and that is the technology
already exists to provide a solution. It is just a matter of implementing
it into our computer displays. Here are some of the facts about the problems
associated with current computer displays:
• According to the American medical publication, Health Magazine,
seventy percent of eighty one million American computer users suffer from
one form or another of eye problems associated with computer use.
• There are whole companies, including certified optometrists, that
create products exclusively to address the eye related problems associated
with computer use.
• A complete medical terminology for chronic eye problems associated
with computer use has been developed, known as CVS, or Computer Vision
Syndrome.
You may not yourself have suffered from symptoms such as red eyes, burning
eyes, partially blurred vision, swelling in the eyes, chronic dry eyes,
temporary degradation of vision, or permanent red vein clusters in your
eyes, but the numbers indicate that over time, you will. Everybody from
young children to professionals who depend on being able to sit in front
of a computer are affected, and as with many industry health related problems
newly coming to public awareness, there is a lack of care, belief, or
understanding of the problem.
WHY ARE COMPUTER DISPLAYS CAUSING EYE PROBLEMS?
• It is a documented fact that artificial light (not sunlight or
whole spectrum light) can cause a variety of health problems, including
stress, fatigue, and other health problems.
• It is a documented fact that an average of fifty percent less
blinking of the eye occurs while a person is using a computer. Blinking
at regular intervals provides vital moisture and momentary rest for the
health of the eye.
• Prolonged exposure of the eye to high contrasting light, especially
a source of light like a computer display, causes macular degeneration,
or accelerated vision loss. (That is why you see older people with prescription
surrounding shaded glasses)
THE GOOD NEWS
There is one thing that will solve the problem. That one thing, is to
subtract the light from the display. This will make a computer display
the same as all other colors and objects we look at, that require light
to be shown on them. This type of computer display already exists and
is known as “Reflective TFT displays”. These types of displays
are used in some items like a “GameBoy” (hand held game),
and in some portable devices meant for outdoor use, such as a tablet computer
from Fujitsu. Reflective TFT displays are essentially the same as back
lighted TFT displays, except without the harmful contrasting light. Therefore
the implementation of healthy displays does not require a massive innovation,
but just building them big enough for use with any computer. Reflective
displays also have the advantages of near zero power consumption, and
sunlight readability. That’s right, the brighter the sunlight, the
brighter the display.
If healthy reflective TFT displays are offered commercially to the public,
health conscious people and their families will finally be able to use
computers without the fear and problems of an unhealthy activity. For
all computer users, please support the company that will revolutionize
the computer display, Natralight Displays.
WorkSpace
Would you be interested in helping develop an innovation for our society
whose time has come? As an artist, writer, student and business person,
I found many occasions to “get out”, of house, school, or
office to enjoy getting quiet work done, in those civilized places that
offer air conditioning, tables, and an outlet to plug a portable computer
into. I noticed fellow students and business people alike, struggling
to find and work in these places, and facing the same problems of distraction,
security, or unpleasant surroundings.
HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO INVEST in a benefit to our society, an addition
of civilization for all who need and enjoy “getting out” to
get quiet work done, be it studying, reading, business, or art?
I have a plan to provide this “Quiet Space” for the benefit
of all, which is simply, a chain of buildings or spaces providing the
basics mentioned above, with the pleasantness of a fine coffee house,
and regulations to provide a difference with this public experience.
I need your help, to get this off the ground. We need:
• money/investors - any donation, you will be credited
• managers - to begin development
• architects/artists - to provide concept/presentations
This is a for profit endeavor to provide fine public workspaces that are
an enjoyable and needed part of our society such as schools, offices,
restaurants, parks, etc. For more information, please visit www.orangepixel.bravehost.com,
click on writings, then “Quiet Space Info”.
METAHOUSE CONCEPT:
"Metahouse" is concept for making a living or working structure
that has several distinct advantages over conventional buildings, including
being earthquake and flood proof. The idea is simply to create a unibody
mold of fiberglass or other developed plastic-like material, that surrounds
a steel skeleton, creating a practically indestructible base structure.
In even the most violent earthquake, there is no chance of structure collapse,
even if interior items or windows are broken. Even if a flood submerses
the Metahouse, the house itself is not destroyed, (and can be recovered
and reoccupied), and if the house is equipped with floaters, (large air
filled cubes), a flood may simply cause the house to float away, but the
resident still has a house to live in. (a houseboat at that point until
waters subside), but there is still a house to live in. The resident is
not homeless.
Maintenance Advantages:
The other advantages of a Metahouse structure, is complete accessibility
to plumbing and electrical pathways via removable panels, which eliminates
the highly impractical need to tear out walls or break through cement
to repair plumbing or electrical utilities. When something needs to be
fixed or replaced, a panel is simply and quickly removed, and the part
fixed or replaced. The panel then snap-locks right back in.
Everything that needs to be painted needs to be repainted, every five
to ten years, more or less, and painting is a messy, laborious, and harmful
to the environment in most cases. A Metahouse does not need to be painted,
inside or outside or anywhere. The surfaces on the outside or inside is
either panels, (ceramic, vinyl, or the plain solid color of the fiberglass
house body) or solid color stucco or replaceable ceramic or plank tiles
for the exterior. Maintenance or change of style is as simple as removing
or replacing tiles or sections, (including stucco which is applied to
removable, stucco-receiving tiles).
Creativity, Modularity, Expendability
Metahouse structures are designed to be modular, allowing sections to
be locked to each other for a wide variety of add ons and stackability,
using a universal lock and fit. A second story could be added, even a
third or fourth or more, because of the sturdiness of the Metahouse base
structure. Add ons are a simple procedure of bringing in the room body
and or sections on trucks to be added on, fitting it into place using
cranes and manual labor (eventually construction robots should be used).
Metahouse structures provide openings which are filled with either large
windows, solid wall units, door combinations, or openings into other Metahouse
room structures.
Exterior Variety, Climate Appropriate, energy
Variety in the exterior of a Metahouse is made possible through a number
of exterior dressings depending on the climate and tastes of the individual
resident. The molded structure of the Metahouse has groves and notches
for the use of ceramic tiles, wood planks or shingles, stucco or brick
coverings, but no matter what the dressing, or how many times they are
changed, the incollapsable Metahouse structure remains underneath and
lasts virtually forever.
Accessories are a large aspect of the Metahouse, energy and utility accessories
can be added to the Metahouse, including: roof water collectors, solar
panels with battery storage (in the case of loss of main power, such solar
panels could be used to power television, computers, lights, and communication
devices), and also used everyday to supply a portion of resident energy
usage. Other accessories can include things like balconies, solariums
for indoor farming, hot tubs, pools. Additionally, for certain types of
communities and conditions, hallway units can be incorporated to connect
between various Metahouse buildings. This offers a variety of practical
configurations, separations, additions, etc.
Security
The metahouse basic structure also provides for the maximum security via
solid secure covers which close down over each window and ultra solid
uni-bolt lock systems on all doors which are unkickable. The security
system which locks the doors and secures the windows is operated by electronic
remote, and manually or electronically from within. The Metahouse resident
is far more secure from break ins than conventional homes, making a Metahouse
last on the list of thieves for robbery.
Environment and long term Advantages
A Metahouse does not require wood to build, so trees are saved for our
air, our animals in nature, and the beauty of our world. A Metahouse has
the quality of long term advantage: once it is made, it remains a usable,
repairable structure practically forever, which is not destroyed by any
earthquake no matter the magnitude (unless the earth opens up and it falls
all the way down to magma!), or flood. Although fire resistant, a metahouse
may be destroyed by fire, but because if the anti-fire safety mechanisms
and qualities destruction by fire would be much less likely then old world
constructions. Further, unlike old world type housing and buildings, A
Metahouse type structure can be moved, offering much more versatility
both for society and the individual. A Metahouse can be disassembled and
moved for a variety of reasons, including individual moving, or environmental
reasons make the area undesirable or uninhabitable, which would normally
mean abandonment. Also, the physical design of a society may be changed
for any number of reasons, and mobility of houses and buildings allows
for this.
Because a Metahouse is mobile, modular, stackable, and near indestructible,
it means that as time progresses and more of them are created, there will
be more houses around in proportion to people, lowering the cost of housing,
and lowering the homeless rate. Once the Metahouse factories are set up
for mass production, the U.S. can not only provide inexpensive, ultra
lasting and maintainable housing for Americans, but can also provide housing
all over the world where aid is needed. The possibilities are far and
great for Metahousing, for everything from towns, cities, research outposts,
world wide providing of lasting housing and modernization. With the Metahouse
revolution, no longer do houses have to be torn down after so long or
any number of natural disasters, only tiles and fixtures replaced.
Basic physical description:
A Metahouse is basically made up of beem, wall, floor, and cealing parts,
which lock fit together. Once the rooms have been assembled, tile parts
of various types can be added to the interior and exterior. The parts
themselves are steel frames surrounded by moulding of fiber plastic. The
beem units are 1.5 to 3 feet thick depending on the size of the intended
structure. The wall units of various styles are accessable from the interior
side, wherein there are giant screw recepticals, maybe two for the top
and bottem securing of the wall unit inside the receiving grove of the
beem. The cealing and floor units recieve protrusions from the beem units,
and the cealing and floor units are also accessed from the interior, also
securing with giant, ratched tightened screws.
Building:
Once a location has been established, the base unit is set down using
protrusions which either fit into a recieving cement base, or fit into
another Metahouse structure. The walls, beems, and cealing units are assembled,
the plumbing and electrical are installed. Then, depending on the climate,
insulation is installed in scrunchable pillows. Also sound proofing materials
may be installed into wall and cealing and floor units. The panels are
then installed, which each have a durable, lasting clip lock. A solid
floor unit for the kitchen and bathrooms is used, which have a seal on
the borders to keep water from spilling down into the floor unit. All
areas where water is present such as sinks, baths, toilets, etc., are
designed as solid ceramic units with no grout, nor any nooks and cranies
where mildew cannot be readily and completely wiped away. There are no
knobs, faucet fixtures, or any plumbing whatsoever, which cannot be readily
accessed for repair or replacement. Panels are tight fitting, and do not
readily allow for any pests to enter structure units, but if they do,
there is poison powder which can be installed everywhere. There are no
gaps behind cabinets, under counters, behind fixtures, where bugs can
hide, pass , or live whatsoever. Metahouse appliances are designed not
to allow bugs to enter them or live within them, on top, behind, or undernieth
them. Windows and doors fit so snugly, that a special screened air release
valve is designed into the house for the air pressure of the doors opening
and closing. Windows and screens fit ultra tight for maximum insulation
and pests entering prevention. All window and door units are made easy
to replace, with removable door or glass, and removable frames.
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